Species information Scientific name: Sus scrofa riukiuanusJapanese name: リュウキュウイノシシ、ヤマシシ（國頭方言）Chinese name: 琉球野豬English name: Ryukyu wild boarOrigin: Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, northern Okinawajima, Ishigaki, and Iriomote. Ecology and description Ryukyu wild boar is a subspecies of the wild boar (Sus scrofa) endemic to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. In addition to some islands, Ryukyu wild boar is an… Continue reading Ryukyu Wild Boar
Tag: AmamiOshima
Orestes Japonicus
Species information Scientific name: Orestes japonicusJapanese name: コブナナフシChinese name: 日本瘤竹節蟲English name: Orestes japonicusOrigin: Found in the Ryukyu Islands Ecology and description Many species in the family of stick insects reproduce parthenogenetically, meaning females can lay eggs and produce offspring without mating with males. However, males of Orestes japonicus are often observed and they reproduce sexually.… Continue reading Orestes Japonicus
Japanese Silk Moth
Species information Scientific name: Antheraea yamamai yambaruJapanese name: ヤママユ（沖縄亜種）Chinese name: 大透目天蠶蛾（沖繩亞種）English name: Japanese silk mothOrigin: It is distributed in Korea, parts of China, Taiwan, and Japan. In Japan, it is found from Hokkaido to Okinawa, while this subspecies is restricted to Okinawajima. Ecology and description The Japanese silk moth (Antheraea yamamai) in Japan is classified… Continue reading Japanese Silk Moth
Pseudogagrella amamiana
Species information Scientific name: Pseudogagrella amamianaJapanese name: ギンボシザトウムシChinese name: 奄美偽盾刺盲蛛English name: Pseudogagrella amamianaOrigin: Southern Kyushu, Yakushima, Amami Islands, Okinawa Islands Ecology and description This species is the most common harvestman from southern Kyushu to the Okinawa Islands. Its back has a bluish-green sheen with a central spine. Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation… Continue reading Pseudogagrella amamiana
Common House Gecko
Species information Scientific name: Hemidactylus frenatusJapanese name: ホオグロヤモリChinese name: 疣尾蜥虎English name: Common house geckoOrigin: Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. In Japan, it is distributed in the Ryukyu Islands south of Amami Oshima but can potentially move to other areas along with household furniture. Ecology and description Common house gecko is the most common gecko in… Continue reading Common House Gecko
Brown-winged Tiger Spiketail
Species information Scientific name: Chlorogomphus brunneusJapanese name: カラスヤンマChinese name: 褐翅斑蜓、褐翅裂唇蜓English name: Brown-winged tiger spiketailOrigin: Japan (Shikoku, Kyushu), Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, Kerama Islands Ecology and description This species is a large dragonfly. Males have nearly transparent wings, while females have deep brown wings and are often seen flying swiftly in the upper reaches of streams.… Continue reading Brown-winged Tiger Spiketail
Oshima Cicada
Species information Scientific name: Meimuna oshimensisJapanese name: オオシマゼミChinese name: 大島寒蟬English name: Oshima cicadaOrigin: Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, Kumejima Ecology and description Oshima cicada is the most representative autumn cicada in Yambaru and is the largest species among the Japanese Meimuna. Its habitat ranges from Amami Oshima to Okinawajima, with the specific name Oshimensis referring to… Continue reading Oshima Cicada
Ryukyu Blue Banded Bee
Species information Scientific name: Amegilla calceiferaJapanese name: アオスジコシブトハナバチChinese name: 甜無墊蜂English name: Ryukyu blue banded beeOrigin: Amami Oshima to Yonaguni Ecology and description Ryukyu blue banded bee has striking blue stripes on its abdomen and does not build beehives. Male bees rest at night by clamping onto branches with their mandibles. Field photographs taken during our… Continue reading Ryukyu Blue Banded Bee
Ryukyu Fishing Spider
Species information Scientific name: Dolomedes orionJapanese name: オオハシリグモChinese name: 大狡蛛English name: Ryukyu fishing spiderOrigin: Tokara Islands, Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, Tokashikijima, Kumejima Ecology and description Ryukyu fishing spider is the largest hunting-type spider in Japan, and it hunts by the waterside without building a web. Ryukyu fishing spider lightly touches the water surface with its… Continue reading Ryukyu Fishing Spider
Grey-faced Buzzard
Species information Scientific name: Butastur indicusJapanese name: サシバChinese name: 灰面鵟鷹、灰面鷲English name: Grey-faced BuzzardOrigin: Breeds in Russia, China, Korea, and Honshu, Japan. Migrates to Southeast Asia for winter. Ecology and description Grey-faced Buzzard migrates through the Ryukyu Islands from breeding grounds in Honshu, Japan, and other regions, heading to Southeast Asia by early October. Flocks of… Continue reading Grey-faced Buzzard